Method and apparatus for liquid dispensing head and system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a liquid dispensing head and system have been disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSerial No. 60/765904 filed Feb. 7, 2006 titled “Method and Apparatus forLiquid Dispensing Head and System”, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a dispensing head and a dispensingsystem. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method andapparatus for a liquid dispensing head and system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensing of liquids that may be consumed by humans has the potentialfor contamination. This presents a problem.

Dispensing of liquids, such as wine, which may be costly, may be proneto error in the volume dispensed. This presents a problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which the method and apparatus ofthe invention may be used;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention having a toilet inwhich gases from the toilet bowl may be extracted by a vacuum applied toopenings in the upper portion of the toilet bowl;

FIGS. 3-68 illustrate various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a network environment 100 in which the techniquesdescribed may be applied. The network environment 100 has a network 102that connects S servers 104-1 through 104-S, and C clients 108-1 through108-C. More details are described below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system 200 in which someembodiments of the invention may be used and which may be representativeof use in any of the clients and/or servers shown in FIG. 1, as well as,devices, clients, and servers in other Figures. More details aredescribed below.

FIGS. 3-68 illustrate various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates, generally at 300, one embodiment of the inventiondenoted as WineStation showing several views. A front view 302, a topview 304, a perspective front view 306, and a left side view 308 areshown. In one embodiment the liquid may be wine, however, the inventionis not so limited and may be used to dispense any liquid (e.g. seltzer,water, apple juice, orange juice, juices, etc.).

FIG. 4 illustrates, generally at 400, one embodiment of the inventionhaving two stations 402 and 404 connected next to each other. In thisway the WineStation may be expanded in capability.

FIG. 5 illustrates, generally at 500, one embodiment of the inventioncalled a master unit. As shown, there are four pouring stalls (502, 504,506, 508) with bottles (502B, 504B, 506B, 508B) and above them fourdisplays (502D, 504D, 506D, 508D) respectively. On the left side is aunit 510 capable of accepting payments (such as, but not limited to,credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, cash, etc.).

FIG. 6 illustrates, generally at 600, one embodiment of the inventionshowing an expansion unit.

FIG. 7 illustrates, generally at 700, one embodiment of the inventionshowing an eight bottle system composed of a four unit master 702coupled to a four unit expansion unit 704. More units may be combined toform, for example, two eight bottle systems, a sixteen bottle system, orany N (integer) bottle system. Also shown is a computer system 706 incommunication via 708 with the eight bottle system.

FIG. 8 illustrates, generally at 800, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a 3×16 bottle system. (3× being 802, 804, 806 with each 1×having 4 stations of 4 bottles (16 total) each.) Also shown is acomputer system 808 in communication via 810 with the 3×16 bottlesystem.

FIG. 9 illustrates, generally at 900, one embodiment of the inventionshowing bottle insertion. Shown is a bottle 902, with a pouring spoutattached 904, a single station for illustration of insertion 906, and asmart card 908, that is inserted at 910 to allow insertion of the bottleby an authorized person.

FIG. 10 illustrates, generally at 1000, one embodiment of the inventionshowing liquid dispensing, in this particular case the liquid is a wine.At 1002 is the bottle, at 1004 the pouring spout, at 1006 the wineglass, at 1008 a smart card, 1010 a smart card slot, and at 1012information about the contents of the bottle 1002, such as, but notlimited to price per pour, vintage, age, name of liquid, vineyard, year,etc.

FIG. 11 illustrates, generally at 1100, one embodiment of the inventionshowing bottle removal. At 1102 is the bottle, at 1104 the pouringspout, at 1108 a smart card, 1110 a smart card slot, and at 1112information about the contents of the bottle 1102. The smartcard 1108allows only those authorized to remove a bottle. At 1112 informationabout the history of the bottle 1102, such as, but not limited to numberof pours, time installed, temperature range experienced, total revenuegenerated, time period of most pours, etc.

FIG. 12 illustrates, generally at 1200, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a system architecture.

In one embodiment the present invention may be an intelligent dispensingsystem. Such a system may have features, such as, but not limited to: aPour Control System—Automated and adjustable Wine Pouring using an InertGas; Wine Preservation System—Manages and automates N2 or Ardistribution; Disposable or Washable wine delivery system—Sterile tubing& stopper—Creates vacuum prior to gas injection—Only part that makescontact with Wine; a Smartcard Access & Control System—Providesfunctional controls & validates customer & operator access—CustomerFeedback tracking; Wine Identification System—Provides Wine BottleBarcode identification against Store or central UPC database;Auto-latching Wine Bottle Security System—Provides control over winebottle insertion and removal; Attention Required Alert System—DetectsBottle empty condition, gas empty condition, temperature alert, systemattention required; Data Collection Manager—IDS Customer Database-tracksall customer info—IDS Store Database-tracks all employee & locationrelated info—IDS System Database-tracks all events and systeminteractions; Master Unit Communications Manager—Detects, manages, andaggregates data across multiple Master Units—Provides Store PC and IDScentral system access and synchronization; IDS Application-Runs onCustomer PC—Provides synchronization with IDS Master Units—ProvidesStore Reporting functions—Provides Interface to supported POSsystems—Provides access to Central IDS system our Internet, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention a master unit may have an embeddedcontroller and/or microprocessor for controlling the following featuresand functions:

Controls Wine Dispensing

-   -   Smartcard Processing    -   Pour Buttons    -   Controls Latches    -   Gas Control

Controls Wine Bottle Functions

-   -   Insertion Process        -   Authorization        -   Barcode Info        -   LCD and Button displays & functions    -   Removal Process        -   Authorization

Collects All Actions & Alerts

-   -   Stores all data in local Database in Non-volatile Storage

Controls Scanning Function

Controls Smartcard Functions

Identifies, connects, and controls EUs attached (Gas bottles &refrigeration)

Connects and communicates to other MUs and passes data through asrequired

Connects and communicates to IDS PC App

Power distribution to components and connected EUs

In one embodiment of the invention an expansion unit may have many ofthe features of a master unit. For example, an LCD Display, LCDControls, Bottle Insertion & Seal Function, Pour Control Function,Independent Gas Tank, and Refrigeration. The expansion unit may also beslaved or in communication with the Master Unit having data passedthrough communication links.

FIG. 13 illustrates, generally at 1300, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a gas pressure and pour control system 1302 as well as itscapabilities 1304.

FIG. 14 illustrates, generally at 1400, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a dispensing head also called a dispensing unit and pouring head1402, its operation 1404, and capabilities 1406.

FIG. 15 illustrates, generally at 1500, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a dispensing head 1502 and after being inserted 1504 into abottle 1506.

FIG. 16 illustrates, generally at 1600, one embodiment of the inventionshowing more details of a pouring head 1602, showing a gas connector1604 which may be connected to a gas source 1606 through a connection1608.

FIG. 17 illustrates, generally at 1700, one embodiment of the inventionshowing more details of a pouring head gas line 1702 insertion and lock.

In one embodiment of the invention, an auto latching system for thepouring head insures a proper seal with the bottle, can secure thebottle, and may require a smartcard authorization to unlock the bottle.This feature may be on a bottle by bottle basis with, for example,bottled water not having any locks, whereas a bottle of 1937 Glenfiddichunder extreme lock control.

FIG. 18 illustrates, generally at 1800, one embodiment of the inventionshowing more details of an auto-latching system showing capabilities1802, operation 1804, a bottle 1806 ready to be inserted into a dockingposition 1808 of a bay 1810, and at 1812 the bottle inserted and thelatch 1814 in place securing the bottle 1812 from removal.

In one embodiment of the invention, a barcode system may be used toamong other things, automate liquid information entry (for example,bottled water v. whiskey, wine, etc.), access prices for the bottlesfrom a database, display relevant information on the LCD above thebottle, interface with a database (such as a wine database to obtainratings, suggested accompaniments, etc.

FIG. 19 illustrates, generally at 1900, one embodiment of the inventionshowing more details of a barcode system, with a computer system 1902,in communication with a global UPC database 1904 and a store winedatabase 1906. The system has capabilities 1908, and operation 1910.

In one embodiment of the invention, a smartcard or equivalent typesystem (RFID, etc.) may provide security for the latching system,provides security for LCD functions, provides security for systemfunctions, unlocks the pouring system, tracks customer debit or credit,interfaces with customer info database, etc. Different cards may begiven to different customers, etc.

FIG. 20 illustrates, generally at 2000, one embodiment of the inventionshowing different types of cards granting different access rights (2002,2004, 2006).

FIG. 21 illustrates, generally at 2100, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a Smartcard Reader 2102 on the system dispensing system and 2104on the Authorization System. The capabilities are listed at 2106 andoperation at 2108.

In one embodiment of the present invention, LCD panels with display andinput are located above each bottle. The LCD Display may show suchinformation as Price per pour, Wine Info, Compartment Temperature,Customer Ratings, Alert Conditions, etc.

FIGS. 22-42, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 43 illustrates, generally at 4300, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the front view of a bay door 4302 which is used to cover thedispensing head spout.

FIG. 44 illustrates, generally at 4400, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the side view of a bay door 4402 which is used to cover thedispensing head spout.

FIG. 45 illustrates, generally at 4500, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a front view of a dispensing head 4502 and an actuator 4504positioned above the dispending head. At 4506 is the dispensing spout.

FIG. 46 illustrates, generally at 4600, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a dispensing head 4604 mounted on a bottle. At 4606 is thespout, at 4608 a gas connection.

FIG. 47 illustrates, generally at 4700, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a front view of a dispensing head 4702.

FIG. 48 illustrates, generally at 4800, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a left side view of a dispensing head 4802, showing a nozzle4804, a gas connection 4806, a cap 4808 for securing the assembly to abottle, and 4810 delineating a valve assembly.

FIG. 49 illustrates, generally at 4900, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a right side view of a dispensing head 4902, and a sensingcontact 4904 on the dispensing head 4902. The sensing contact 4904allows for example for correct insertion into the unit, allowsmeasurement of insertion, allows measurement of the liquid beingdispensed, etc.

FIG. 50 illustrates, generally at 50000, one embodiment of the inventionshowing a rear view of the dispensing head 5002 showing where adisplacing gas inlet is located 5004. Also note the two bands of coloror grayscale on either side of the gas inlet opening 5006 and 5008. Inone embodiment of the invention these bands 5006, 5008 are incommunication with the dispensing station, for example, to indicate whenthe dispensing head is properly positioned, etc.

FIG. 51 illustrates, generally at 5100, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 5102 mounted on a bottle 5104, the gas inleton the left 5106, the pouring spout on the right 5108 and on the top avalve control 5110. Also note a rear view of the dispensing head showingwhere a displacing gas inlet is located (such as FIG. 50).

FIG. 52 illustrates, generally at 5200, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 5202 with the gas inlet on the right 5204,the pouring spout on the left 5206, a valve on the top 5208, and a metalband 5210 between the spout 5206 and the bottle cap 5212.

FIG. 53 illustrates, generally at 5300, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head in FIG. 52 in an exploded view 5302. 5304 ispart to the valve assembly that sits within 5306. 5308, 5310 are sensingbands which are secured to the main body 5312. 5314 is the screw capassembly.

FIG. 54 illustrates, generally at 5400, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head in FIG. 52 in an exploded view 5402. In thisview the channels 5406 in the valve 5404 in the top of the dispensinghead 5402 may be seen.

FIG. 55 illustrates, generally at 5500, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 5502 on a bottle 5504 with the spout 5506 tothe left, the valve 5508 on top, and the gas inlet 5510 connected to agas source 5512 on the right. The gas may be any suitable gas forpressuring the bottle such that the liquid will dispense through thespout. In the case of wine where oxidation is to be avoided, a suitablegas may be nitrogen, argon, etc. In one embodiment of the invention,when the bottle is inserted, the gas in the bottle is replaced with thedesired gas by purging the gas that was originally in the bottle. Notethat in one embodiment of the invention the dispensing head, oncemounted on a bottle may remain there even if the bottle is removed formthe system. In this way the gas in the bottle may be maintained.

FIG. 56 illustrates, generally at 5600, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 5602 from the view point where a bottle isinserted. Here may be seen the center expanding collar 5604, the gasentry ports 5606, and the liquid exit port 5608.

FIG. 57 illustrates, generally at 5700, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 5702 exposed view (e.g. without the screwcap).

FIG. 58 illustrates, generally at 5800, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head exposed gas ports up close 5802.

FIG. 59 illustrates, generally at 5900, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head top valve part up close 5902.

FIG. 60 illustrates, generally at 6000, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 6002 at a different angle, showing the gasinlet port 6004, the spout 6006, the cap assembly 6008, and the valveassembly 6010.

FIG. 61 illustrates, generally at 6100, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 6102 at a different angle, showing the gasinlet port 6104, the spout 6106, the cap assembly 6108, the valveassembly 6110, and sense contact 6112, 6114.

FIG. 62 illustrates, generally at 6200, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head 6202 exposed view of the rotor ports (holesin circular region) (near 6204) where the rotor is situated (viewwithout rotor).

FIG. 63 illustrates, generally at 6300, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head rotor top 6302.

FIG. 64 illustrates, generally at 6400, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head rotor 6402 bottom. Here may be seen thechannels (example at 6404) which direct and/or control the flow ofgases, and liquids.

FIG. 65 illustrates, generally at 6500, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head rotor 6502 bottom in more detail.

FIG. 66 illustrates, generally at 6600, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing system 6602 front partially exposed to show thehead covers 6604, motors in the back 6606, etc. The motors 6606 uponbottle insertion engage with the dispensing head valve assembly andallow the valve to be turned as needed under computer control todispense the liquid in the bottle, puff, etc.

FIG. 67 illustrates, generally at 6700, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing system back partially exposed to show the gasports 6704 below the motors 6706, etc.

FIG. 68 illustrates, generally at 6800, one embodiment of the inventionshowing the dispensing head “docking” mechanism 6802. The dispendinghead with the gas port toward the rear would be inserted into thisdocketing mechanism so that the spout would be facing outward from thepage of FIG. 68.

In one embodiment of the invention the following features are availablebasic wine preservation, refrigeration, automated wine preservation,automated pour control wine transaction tracking, customer smartcardcontrol, employee smart card control, unit management, LCD wineidentification display, merchandising manager, product/brand management,site location manager, customer marketing manager, inventory manager,distributor/wholesaler manager, disposable delivery, auto-latchsecurity, UPC/barcode database management, wine rating management.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a way that wine andother liquids can be dispensed at predefined volumes using a preservinggas. It also provides a system for capturing, presenting, managing, andreporting data and information related to dispensing.

In one embodiment of the invention a dispensing head is used to dispensethe liquid. In various embodiments of the dispensing head, it may bedesigned to have the following features and allow the followingoperation. The dispensing head in one embodiment is the only part thatmakes contact with the wine or liquid. It is designed as beingdisposable and hence eliminates the need for cleaning the dispensingunit. The dispensing head once inserted into the Dispensing Unit enablesthe purging of the initial air that is present in a bottle when it isfirst opened, by replacing this air with an inert gas such as nitrogenor argon. Once this purging is complete the dispensing head is sealedand prevents air from reentering the bottle. The bottle can then beserved in predefined measured volumes by pressing a button on thedispensing unit. The button signals the unit to pour the desired volumeby starting the flow of the inert gas into the bottle and displacing thedesired liquid into a waiting glass at the dispensing head spout. Thedispensing head after it has poured the desired volume into the glass,performs a puff function using the inert gas to clear any liquid thatremains in the dispensing head spout into the glass. After the initialpurging of the initial air in the bottle the bottle can also be removedat any time from the dispensing unit and be stored for later use due tothe dispensing head's ability to prevent air from reentering the bottle,hence preserving the liquid for long periods. The dispensing head alsohas a built in detection mechanism to ensure that the proper volume isbeing served. One such way to detect the volume is by detecting theliquid in the dispensing head spout by detecting a current through theliquid as it is pouring. The dispensing head also has a built inmechanism that detects that it is properly positioned in the dispensinghead bay. One way this may be accomplished is through electricallydetecting the proper positioning of the head in the unit. The dispensinghead also has a special mechanism that aligns with the inert gas valvethat ensures that it is properly engaged into the dispensing head unit.The dispensing head also has a head locking mechanism built into therotor and cap portions of the head that prevent a person fromaccidentally opening the dispensing head and exposing it to the air whenthe bottle is removed from the dispensing unit. The reason that someonewould want to remove a full or partially opened bottle from thedispensing unit is for pre-staging purposes or for the flexibility ofchanging to offer other wine or liquid dispensing before the entirebottle has been entirely been served.

In one embodiment of the invention an actuation and automated dispensingbay is used. In various embodiments of the actuation and automateddispensing bay, it may be designed to have the following features andallow the following operation. The actuation and automated dispensingbay design of the dispensing system provides a number of features. Itprovides an unlocking function for the dispensing head's lockingmechanism to enable the free rotation of the dispensing head rotor. Itprovides the detection function for the dispensing head's Alignmentmechanism. The Gas Stem provides the gas valve mechanism that engageswith the dispensing heads ensuring a proper seal and prevents gas fromleaking. The actuation system detects the proper position of thedispensing head's rotor for the pour, puff, and purge functions with theuse of a sensor (such as optical). The actuation system uses the sensorand a backup power source (such as a capacitor) to ensure that thedispensing head is closed in the event of a power failure during a pouroperation. The automated dispensing bay provides for a quick releasemechanism for the dispensing head when the dispensing head bay is openedfor bottle removal or insertion. This allows for the protection of thegas from leaking out of the unit.

In one embodiment of the invention electrical and controller functionsare used. In various embodiments of the electrical and controllerfunctions, they may be designed to have the following features and allowthe following operation. A Gas Transducer and low pressure switch isused to detect inert gas levels and pressures in the gas system and winebottles. The controller detects gas leakage in the system. It alsodetects the gas required to dispense the liquid in the bottle and canalso detect the amount of liquid volume in the bottle and assures thatthe volume left in the bottle is properly calculated for dispensing tocustomers. Door Solenoids are used to automate the opening of theThermal Door as well as the Gas Door. The opening of the doors isinitiated by the insertion of the proper authorized smartcard into thesmartcard reader contained in the system enclosure. LCDs are used todisplay the wine or liquid information for the bottle inserted in agiven bay position. The information is pulled from a locally managed SQLdatabase after the UPC code is scanned through the barcode scanner thatis mounted in the system enclosure. Control Buttons mounted around theLCDs provide controls for both the customer pouring a liquid into aglass as well as the servicing functions for the dispensing unit. Thecustomer initiates the pouring functions after inserting a validsmartcard. The functions include the selection of the desired volume ofthe wine or liquid. The servicing functions are only available toauthorized smartcards and includes the wine or liquid bottle insertionor removal, the inert gas bottle insertion or removal, temperaturesetting for the thermal control, as well as the resetting of systemfunctions. The Controller collects and logs every event and actioninitiated by the customer, the operator, or the system. TheMicroprocessor of the system interfaces with the Controller subsystemand collects all events and actions of the dispensing system into an SQLdatabase for further reporting and processing. The Controller controlsmultiple dispensing heads subsystems, controls internal or externalinert gas systems, interfaces with barcode scanner, smartcard reader,Thermal Electronic Coupling subsystem, and microprocessors or PCs.Controllers are designed for modularity and multiple controllers can bechained together and can share one microprocessor or PC, one smartcardreader, and one barcode scanner, for central data collection andmanagement. There is no theoretical limit to the number of controllersthat may be chained together.

In one embodiment of the invention smartcards, barcodes, and softwareare used. In various embodiments of the smartcards, barcodes, andsoftware, they may be designed to have the following features and allowthe following operation. Smartcard readers using password protectedmemory cards are used for activating customer pouring functions. Cardscan be defined as either credit or debit with limits defined. Thesoftware which supports the smartcard functions ensures the propercharging for the different quantities of wine or liquid being purchased.Barcode reader scans the UPC code from the wine or liquid bottle andpasses this information to the Application which is running on theMicroprocessor or PC. The Software provides the following majorfunctions: a. the interfacing with the Controller providing for datacollection and logging for further report generation and data analysis.b. the database definition and management for the wine database whichcontains both the UPC codes and mapping as well as pricing informationfrom which the wine or liquid pricing is pulled for display ondispensing unit LCDs, the customer database which contains customeraccount information including customer history, the store orestablishment information regarding authorized personnel from whichauthorized smartcards are validated, the system database which containsall system installation parameters, system events and logs, and customersystem preferences. c. the systems management and communications betweenthe embedded microprocessor or PC and the external customer PC to runand manage the installation.

In one embodiment of the present invention provides for an Automated andIntelligent Liquid Dispensing Head and System. The system provides a waythat wine and other liquids can be dispensed at predefined volumes usinga preserving gas. It also provides a system for capturing, presenting,managing, and reporting data and information related to dispensing.

Thus a method and apparatus for a liquid dispensing head and system havebeen described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a network environment 100 in which the techniquesdescribed may be applied. The network environment 100 has a network 102that connects S servers 104-1 through 104-S, and C clients 108-1 through108-C. More details are described below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a computer system 200 in block diagram form, whichmay be representative of any of the clients and/or servers shown in FIG.1, as well as, devices, clients, and servers in other Figures. Moredetails are described below.

Referring back to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a network environment 100in which the techniques described may be applied. The networkenvironment 100 has a network 102 that connects S servers 104-1 through104-S, and C clients 108-1 through 108-C. As shown, several computersystems in the form of S servers 104-1 through 104-S and C clients 108-1through 108-C are connected to each other via a network 102, which maybe, for example, a corporate based network. Note that alternatively thenetwork 102 might be or include one or more of: the Internet, a LocalArea Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), satellite link, fibernetwork, cable network, or a combination of these and/or others. Theservers may represent, for example, disk storage systems alone orstorage and computing resources. Likewise, the clients may havecomputing, storage, and viewing capabilities. The method and apparatusdescribed herein may be applied to essentially any type of visualcommunicating means or device whether local or remote, such as a LAN, aWAN, a system bus, etc. Thus, the invention may find application at boththe S servers 104-1 through 104-S, and C clients 108-1 through 108-C.

Further the method and apparatus described herein may be availableand/or capabilities based on a variety of criteria. For example, certainfeatures may be based upon communication of a payment and/or credit.

Referring back to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates a computer system 200 inblock diagram form, which may be representative of any of the clientsand/or servers shown in FIG. 1. The block diagram is a high levelconceptual representation and may be implemented in a variety of waysand by various architectures. Bus system 202 interconnects a CentralProcessing Unit (CPU) 204, Read Only Memory (ROM) 206, Random AccessMemory (RAM) 208, storage 210, display 220, audio, 222, keyboard 224,pointer 226, miscellaneous input/output (I/O) devices 228, andcommunications 230. The bus system 202 may be for example, one or moreof such buses as a system bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI),Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI),Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard number1394 (FireWire), Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc. The CPU 204 may be asingle, multiple, or even a distributed computing resource. Storage 210,may be Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), hard disks (HD),optical disks, tape, flash, memory sticks, video recorders, etc. Display220 might be, for example, an embodiment of the present invention. Notethat depending upon the actual implementation of a computer system, thecomputer system may include some, all, more, or a rearrangement ofcomponents in the block diagram. For example, a thin client mightconsist of a wireless hand held device that lacks, for example, atraditional keyboard. Thus, many variations on the system of FIG. 2 arepossible.

For purposes of discussing and understanding the invention, it is to beunderstood that various terms are used by those of skill in the art todescribe techniques and approaches. Furthermore, in the description, forpurposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be evident, however, to one of skill in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details. In someinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the presentinvention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those of skill in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Some portions of the description may be presented in terms of algorithmsand symbolic representations of operations on, for example, data bitswithin a computer memory, and/or logic circuitry. These algorithmicdescriptions and representations are the means used by those of skill inthe arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work toothers of skill in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of acts leading to a desiredresult. The acts are those requiring physical manipulations of physicalquantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take theform of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussion, it isappreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing termssuch as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or“displaying” or the like, can refer to the action and processes of acomputer system, or similar electronic computing device, thatmanipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic)quantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission, or display devices.

Further, any of the methods according to the present invention can beimplemented in hard-wired circuitry, by programmable logic, or by anycombination of hardware and software.

An apparatus for performing the operations herein can implement thepresent invention. This apparatus may be specially constructed for therequired purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer,selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored inthe computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computerreadable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of diskincluding floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, compact disk- readonly memories (CD-ROMs), and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories(ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), electrically programmableread-only memories (EPROM)s, electrically erasable programmableread-only memories (EEPROMs), FLASH memories, magnetic or optical cards,etc., or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructionseither local to the computer or remote to the computer.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatus to perform the required method. For example, any of themethods according to the present invention can be implemented inhard-wired circuitry, by programming a general-purpose processor, or byany combination of hardware and software. One of ordinary skill in theart will immediately appreciate that the invention can be practiced withcomputer system configurations other than those described, includinghand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, digital signal processing (DSP)devices, set top boxes, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,and the like. The invention can also be practiced in distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network.

The methods of the invention may be implemented using computer software.If written in a programming language conforming to a recognizedstandard, sequences of instructions designed to implement the methodscan be compiled for execution on a variety of hardware platforms and forinterface to a variety of operating systems. In addition, the presentinvention is not described with reference to any particular programminglanguage. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languagesmay be used to implement the teachings of the invention as describedherein. Furthermore, it is common in the art to speak of software, inone form or another (e.g., program, procedure, application, driver, . .. ), as taking an action or causing a result. Such expressions aremerely a shorthand way of saying that execution of the software by acomputer causes the processor of the computer to perform an action orproduce a result.

It is to be understood that various terms and techniques are used bythose knowledgeable in the art to describe communications, protocols,applications, implementations, mechanisms, etc. One such technique isthe description of an implementation of a technique in terms of analgorithm or mathematical expression. That is, while the technique maybe, for example, implemented as executing code on a computer, theexpression of that technique may be more aptly and succinctly conveyedand communicated as a formula, algorithm, or mathematical expression.Thus, one of skill in the art would recognize a block denoting A+B=C asan additive function whose implementation in hardware and/or softwarewould take two inputs (A and B) and produce a summation output (C).Thus, the use of formula, algorithm, or mathematical expression asdescriptions is to be understood as having a physical embodiment in atleast hardware and/or software (such as a computer system in which thetechniques of the present invention may be practiced as well asimplemented as an embodiment).

A machine-readable medium is understood to include any mechanism forstoring or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine(e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes readonly memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storagemedia; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical,acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves,infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) capable of affecting a physicalentity (e.g. movement) upon absorption and/or reflection of such; etc.

As used in this description, “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” orsimilar phrases means that the feature(s) being described are includedin at least one embodiment of the invention. References to “oneembodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive.Nor does “one embodiment” imply that there is but a single embodiment ofthe invention. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in“one embodiment” may also be included in other embodiments. Thus, theinvention may include a variety of combinations and/or integrations ofthe embodiments described herein.

Thus a method and apparatus for a liquid dispensing head and system havebeen described.

1. A method comprising: receiving information related to an amount ofliquid to be dispensed; starting an injection of an inert gas into acontainer having said liquid; and stopping said injection when saidamount of liquid to be dispensed has exited said container.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said exiting is through a spout.
 3. The methodof claim 2 further comprising measuring said liquid to be dispensed asit passes through said spout and wherein said stopping is based on saidmeasuring.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising releasing a puffof said inert gas into said spout after said stopping.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said stopping is based upon a parameter selected fromthe group consisting of pressure, volume, temperature, and time.
 6. Anapparatus comprising: means for receiving one or more containers havinga liquid; means for receiving one or more user inputs; means fordispensing from said one or more containers an amount of said liquidbased on said one or more user inputs.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6wherein said one or more user inputs is selected from the groupconsisting of human input, a smart card, and information received bysaid apparatus related to one or more users
 8. An apparatus comprising:a cap assembly having an input port, and outlet port, and securingmechanism, said input port capable of gas communication, said outletport capable of liquid communication, and said securing mechanismcapable of being secured to a bottle; a valve assembly having one ormore input ports and one or more output ports, said valve assemblycapable of being in gas and liquid communication with said cap assembly;a gas port having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet capable ofcommunication with a source of gas, and said outlet in gas communicationwith one or more of said valve assembly input ports; and a spout havingan input and an output, said input capable of being in gas and liquidcommunication with said valve assembly input ports and output ports,said output capable of directly a liquid out from said bottle.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 9 further comprising two or more sensing contacts,said contacts capable of communicating a orientation of said spout. 10.The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a user panel having one ormore inputs and one or more outputs, said one or more inputs capable ofreceiving user inputs for controlling said valve assembly, and said oneor more outputs capable of displaying information about said liquid.